First Research Breakfast of the year dedicated to generating interdisciplinary and sustainable ideas

The first Research Breakfast of 2026 at Rīga Stradiņš University was dedicated to generating new, interdisciplinary, and sustainable ideas for BioPhoT research and innovation project applications. On 14 January, the BioPhoT project idea laboratory brought together researchers from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and Riga Technical University (RTU), providing an opportunity to present ideas seeking collaboration with the other university.

Interdisciplinary collaboration at the core of BioPhoT

The theme of the event was proposed by RTU, emphasising that the core of collaboration within BioPhoT lies precisely in interdisciplinarity, which is the foundation for creating innovative and sustainable solutions. The event was opened by Justīne Krūmiņa, who is responsible for the implementation of the BioPhoT platform at RSU, outlining the platform’s significance as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-exchange between the two universities.

From idea pitching to shared development

Under the guidance of Dr. Elīna Miķelsone, Director of the RTU Design Factory, the project idea laboratory was conducted in an active and engaging format. Through professional moderation and the use of design thinking methods, participants were encouraged to share their perspectives and contribute to the development of their colleagues’ ideas. Particular emphasis was placed on an interdisciplinary approach, enabling research ideas to be viewed from new and previously unexplored perspectives.

Participant perspectives on the Research Breakfast format

‘The Research Breakfast series are valuable, and I’m glad that this event turned out to be especially productive. I liked that the facilitator was able to stimulate the exchange of ideas and motivate participants, using various engaging methods, to make at least a small contribution and provide perspectives for developing each topic,’ says one of the authors of the submitted ideas, Edgars Bernāns, Lead Researcher at the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education Sports Healthcare Research Centre. He also emphasises the interdisciplinary dimension and cooperation with peers from RSU:

‘The interdisciplinary discussion of ideas is always valuable – we often share more interests and project opportunities than initially apparent.

In the project idea laboratory, I gained several complementary thoughts for my research idea, as well as an understanding of how my idea could contribute to technological development that I previously did not know about.’

Valters Āboltiņš, Lead Researcher at the RSU Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, who submitted an idea about developing a system to reduce stiffness in the fingers, also positively assessed the format and atmosphere of the event: ‘I feel very positively about this event. I may not have received support for an idea I previously submitted, but I met people who liked the idea I developed on the spot. It may not become a BioPhoT idea, but it could certainly turn into a future collaboration.’

Meanwhile, RSU doctoral student in the Healthcare sub-programme Medicine, Linda Laizāne, who presented an idea for a non-invasive optical hormone monitoring technology, noted that more time would be needed to develop the idea in more depth:

‘I gained new experience and impressions at the Research Breakfast, and it was also a good opportunity to make new connections.

At the same time, it is not possible to develop an idea sufficiently within two hours; this format is more suitable for gaining an initial insight into the topic.’

More information about the BioPhoT platform and research and innovation projects is available on the BioPhot website.

The event was organised within the project ‘Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Creation of Innovative Products’ – BioPhoT is being implemented within the framework of the long-term national research programme “Innovation Fund – Long-Term Research Program”, financed by the Ministry of Economics. Project number: IVPP-EM-Innovation-2024/1-0002.